Identification of Relevant Biomarkers in Mercury Exposed Clam Venerupis philippinarum.

This study assessed the impact of four different concentrations (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 mu g/L) of mercury exposure on Manila clam Venerupis philippinarum based on the dynamic characteristics of antioxidant related enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total glutathione content, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content at 24 h and 48 h post exposure. The results showed that hemocyte SOD activity was inhibited while GR hemocyte activity significantly increased in the 2.5 mu g/L group after 24 h. Hemocyte ALP activity and (GSH) content were also elevated at the 7.5 mu g/L and 10 mu g/L groups when exposed for 24 h, respectively. SOD activity, GR activity, ALP activity and GSH content in the hemocytes were relatively sensitive to different concentrations of mercuric mercury (Hg2+), suggesting that they may act as potential biomarkers in assessing environmental mercury exposure on Venerupis philippinarum. At different levels of exposure, antioxidant parameters showed differing responses in gill tissue, but no biomarkers were discovered in the samples examined. We found that hemocytes are more suitable biomarkers than proteins in gill tissue. Some hemocyte biomarkers are promising candidates for monitoring mercury pollution in marine clams.